How To Lay Your Office Out To Boost Productivity

Office layouts can be a difficult problem to solve. One person’s preference might be a nightmare for others. Specialists in commercial design and fit out APSS look at some tips on how to boost productivity.

If you follow too many trends, you end up with a stylish office, but with no functionality. So how do you find a realistic balance? Here are six top tips that will guide you towards making sure you end up with something useful rather than unorganised or chaotic.

If your end goal this year is to ensure your staff are productive and happy, you might want to review your office layout and make a few key changes here and there to see if it makes a difference.

Break space

Your staff need a good break away from phone calls and other noise. No one can work tirelessly for eight hours non-stop and still be as productive as possible at the end of the day. There are many studies that show if an employee feels comfortable, they feel more motivated and a lot of that has to do with their immediate surroundings.

All too often, offices lack a decent room where workers can go to refresh their productivity levels and reduce stress. By designating part of the office as a break space and make it comfortable and pleasant, people are encouraged to get away from screens and give their eyes a rest for a bit. In a small office there’s often not the option of getting away but if you have the space then there’s an opportunity to create something uniquely relaxing.

Put together a floor plan that considers employee productivity but also helps people stay focused in the long term.

Natural light

People are drawn to natural light, it makes people feel better instantly. By maximising the amount of sunlight that comes into your office space, it helps keep your staff happier and more productive.

You could even turn off the overhead strip lighting and give your workers desk lamps instead. Accentuating the natural light and cutting out bright and harsh light that can create headaches may be another solution. Those who have been working from home have become used to the freedom of the home office.

In creating your office layout, you’re best considering what you can offer those who have become accustomed to the luxuries of working from home.

After all, if an employee has to endure a daily commute and the expense that entails, what does your office offer, if anything, from what they are already used to at home? Making the office more of a destination, rather than a place associated with stress, pressure and misery is the key.

Think motivationally

If the office lacks a definitive style, is not decorated, or doesn’t feel like home, people are less inclined to stay there. Motivation is important and providing a stimulating and diverse space can work wonders. Look out for some motivational posters, put them in some frames and decorate the office with them to give people a boost.

Having rooms dedicated to certain aspects of work means you can increase your productivity. If certain areas lend themselves to get tasks completed by simple means of office design, then why wouldn’t you make this happen? This could be something as simple as having a thoughtful mix of open plan space and more private, designated desks meant for focus and flow states.

Equally, think of the interactions that flow in meeting rooms. Is there a chance of creating adaptable space that lends itself to greater collaboration? Would a formal boardroom style suit your colleagues, or would more relaxed, laid-back options be more preferable for your style of business?

There’s a lot to be said for catering to the kind of business you are conducting. Having workers try to produce great work while in uncomfortable surroundings can be detrimental and could even lead to a downward trajectory for overall stress and productivity levels.

Communal areas

Feeling chained to their desks, all alone, will undoubtedly have an impact both on productivity and wellbeing at work. Create communal areas where people can congregate so they can chat, have a few laughs or even have informal meetings.

The ability to separate off work from informal discussions is also incredibly valuable when it comes to a sense of belonging. Staff do not simply want to chat shop, they might feel the need to socialise, catch up or just have a meaningful break from their desks and work.
After all, regular breaks from screens are good for the eyes, concentration and much more. The sense of freedom your staff have will give them a sense of pride for their work too. If they need to collaborate or work on something that needs private space or room to spread out, then that option should be made available too.

Having a sense of camaraderie among colleagues can create more of an atmosphere where important tasks aren’t seen as a chore, but rather a commonly shared goal. If you can make work less like work, then you have succeeded in your goal to make work a welcoming place rather than a place to drag yourself to on a weekday.

If you want to make some changes, call APSS today or visit our services page to see how we can help with your office refurbishment.